The Lions clinched top spot in the South African Conference, and second on the overall Super Rugby table, after a rampant 38-12 bonus-point victory over the Bulls in a frenetic local derby at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Johannesburg-based side, losing finalists in the previous two seasons, ensured they would be the second seeds in the quarter-finals behind only defending champions Crusaders as they overturned an early deficit to claim a handsome win.

They will play the Jaguares at home in the knock-out round next weekend, while the Hurricanes host the Chiefs in an all-New Zealand clash and the Waratahs entertain the Highlanders.

Rugby Africa Gold Cup on Kwesé TV!

The Road to the 2019 World Cup starts on June 16 when Africa's finest battle it out in the Rugby Africa Gold Cup. Watch the likes of Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Namibia, LIVE on Kwesé Sports! Click here to find find out where and how you can watch Kwesé TV.

The Crusaders will host South Africa's Sharks after they beat a second-string Jaguares side to win a place in the playoffs.

Early tries from flyhalf Manie Libbok, who was a late replacement for Handré Pollard, and Springbok centre Jesse Kriel had put the Bulls into a 12-0 lead, but the Lions began to win the forward battle and wing Ruan Combrinck scored a brace as they roared back into the contest.

They also profited from a penalty try as their scrum pressure in the Bulls 22 in the second half forced the error from the visitors, while hooker Malcolm Marx, and wings Courtnall Skosan and Aphiwe Dyantyi, also crossed for tries.

Super Rugby 2018 News

Super Rugby is back in just a month, and this season has the ingredients to be the best of the past few years - a prospect that could not be more timely given the general dissatisfaction that has surrounded the once-mighty southern hemisphere tournament.

As the countdown to the 2019 season begins we look ahead to our four big women's winter codes: AFLW, Super Netball, Super W and rugby league. What will be the same in 2019? What has changed? Read our bold predictions for the season ahead.

The presence of the Rugby World Cup means Super Rugby begins two weeks earlier in 2019. But before the season proper kicks off, there are a number of trial games to be contested. Check out the full list here.